Horchata De Almendra (Almond Horchata) from Spain
Real Horchata from Valencia is made with Chufa (Tiger Nut). Unfortunately, Chufa is not available (that I know of) in America. A suitable substitute for the Chufas are Almonds, which give the Horchata the same texture and similar taste. Horchata is not a dairy product and contains little fat, so it is often referred to as "the drink of the gods" for it's rich but low-fat flavor. From:dderhak@xmission.com. I'm assuming that you'll start with blanched almonds and will use a food processor to grind them.
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READY IN: 2mins
YIELD: 2 1/2 liters
UNITS: US
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DIRECTIONS
- The first step is to remove the skins from the almonds.
- The best way to do this is to simply buy them already skinless.
- If none are available, you will have to boil the skins off.
- Put the almonds in a pot of boiling water and let sit until the skins become very soft.
- With time, the skins will dissolve or slide off easily when stirred.
- Boiling the almonds is a pain.
- Crush or otherwise pulverise the almonds into a coarse powder.
- If you boiled your almonds to get the skins off, then smash them (or put them in a strong blender while adding some water) into a mush.
- In a large bowl/container add the 2.5 liters of water with a pinch of salt.
- Slice and add the lemon.
- Now mix in the almond powder (or mush). Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
- When the two hours are up, add the sugar and cinnamon stick.
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Strain the liquid with a fine cloth.
- This removes all of the larger particles of almond.
- Strain until texture is smooth (twice should do it).
- Keep the drink in your fridge and it will stay good for at least five days.
- For a truly divine experience, put some in your freezer until it is an icy slush!
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